First net zero energy buildings under construction at UH Mānoa

An artisṯs rendition of an example net zero energy classroom. Image courtesy of Project Frog.

On June 15, 2015 contractors broke ground for the installation of two 1,500 square foot, net zero energy classrooms. These classrooms will be energy neutral, that is they will generate at least as much energy as they will use.

“This multiyear effort characterizes the effect of usage and building design on energy demand. This is part of a larger research program intended to evaluate the performance and integration of a range of energy technologies that includes energy efficiency, storage and renewable generation systems,” said Richard Rocheleau, Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) director.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education will use these classrooms that were funded by HNEI, through a grant from the Office of Naval Research, and designed and installed by Project Frog, a California architecture company. Site work, hardscape, and landscaping are funded by the UH Mānoa Office of Planning and Facilities. The stand-alone buildings are being built on plot adjacent Castle Memorial Building and behind Wist Hall, home of the College of Education. They are expected to be complete by spring 2016.

“This is a real stake-in-the-ground milestone for the university, as we embark on a new journey toward aggressive sustainability and energy goals,” said Stephen Meder, UH Mānoa assistant vice chancellor, Office of Planning and Facilities, a key advocate for this project.

Read more about it in the UH System News.